Hotels in Kenya: Where to Stay in Every City

Kenya's accommodation landscape is shaped by two distinct travel types: safari and coast. The Maasai Mara's tented camps and lodges operate on full-board rates that include game drives, reaching USD 500–1,500+ per person per night at the top end. The coast offers beach resorts at a fraction of that. City stays in Nairobi and Mombasa are straightforward and well-serviced.

For budget travellers, Kenya offers functional guesthouses in most towns. For mid-range, Nairobi's Westlands and Karen neighbourhoods concentrate good value hotels with reliable security. We have written detailed where-to-stay guides for all covered cities and safari areas.

Types of Accommodation in Kenya

Safari Lodges & Tented Camps

Kenya's iconic accommodation type — from permanent canvas-walled tented camps in the Maasai Mara to luxury lodges in Amboseli with views of Kilimanjaro. Rates range from approximately USD 200 to USD 1,500+ per person per night for full board. The best lodges book out during the Great Migration (July–October).

Coastal Beach Resorts

The Kenya coast has a full spectrum from basic banda-style guesthouses to five-star beach resorts. Diani Beach has the highest concentration of quality resorts. Rates typically run KES 8,000–50,000+ per night as of 2026. The south coast around Diani is generally better maintained than the north coast around Malindi.

City Hotels (Nairobi & Mombasa)

Nairobi has strong mid-range and business hotel options. Budget travellers gravitate toward hostels and guesthouses in Westlands and Kilimani. Mombasa's Old Town has several restored boutique properties. Rates for clean mid-range hotels start around KES 4,000–8,000 per night.

Guesthouses & Budget Stays

Throughout Kenya's towns, locally-run guesthouses (often called "lodges" locally, distinct from safari lodges) offer basic but functional accommodation from KES 800–2,500 per night. Quality is variable — checking reviews before booking in smaller towns is advised.